Waitsburg City Council assigns committees

The Waitsburg City Council met at the city hall for its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Council members Kevin House, Jim Romine, Jennifer Bishop, and Court Ruppenthal attended in person, and Jillian Henze attended on Zoom.

In new business, the council discussed Ordinance 2024-1090, which would amend the municipal code regarding how the city council conducts business.

Council members would no longer be limited in the use of a virtual option to attend meetings.

Another change was adding Section I(10), which limits council members from including personal opinions in committee reports. This change was added after public reaction to a council member’s committee report at the April meeting.

Dunn said members should only talk about issues brought up in their committees in their reports. He told the council that they should make sure that what they are saying is true and factual.

Henze felt the language was too strict and possibly an infringement on free speech. She felt it would restrict members from sharing positive comments about events like the rib feed.

The resolution passed unanimously, with the stipulation that Section I (10) be reworded so council members are not restricted from expressing their opinions or observations.

The council unanimously passed Resolution 2024-1075 authorizing the reimbursement of pool passes to either Walla Walla Memorial or Prescott Pool. The city will reimburse 50% of the cost of family season passes, up to $160 per family, and a total expense of $1,500 for 2024. Residents should take their receipts to Waitsburg City Hall before July 28.

The council elected Kevin House as Mayor Pro Tem and the mayor assigned the committee assignments for 2024.

Council Assignments:

•Personnel: Dunn, House

•Community Health and Protection: Romine, Ruppenthal

•Infrastructure and Budget: House, Romine

•Community Recreation (Parks, Trees) and Remembrance (Cemeteries); Henze, Court

•Fairgrounds: House, Romine

Liaison assignments:

•Planning Commission – Henze

•Parks and Rec – Ruppenthal

•Library Board – Bishop

Fire District – Romine

In Hinchliffe’s report, he said the splash pad will be upgraded with 5 feet of surrounding surface added, a new toy dump bucket, and additional water pressure. He noted that Banner Bank had donated $20,000 for the project, which would cover the cost of the contractor’s work.

Hinchliffe also reported that chain link fencing will be installed around the pickleball court. He said The Society for Creative Anachronism will return to Preston Park June 7 through 9.

After two years, the city received the new mower, replacing one that was over 30 years old.

The June council meeting was rescheduled for June 26 as Hence, and Hinchliffe will be out of town.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.